DeSoto's annual business expo sees significant growth

Mary Ozbirn (left) tosses a bean bag at the Novacopy booth during the 14th annual Southaven Chamber of Commerce DeSoto Business Expo. Ozbirn and Helen Van Sickle, both of Southaven, visited the expo Thursday.

While visiting the 14th annual Southaven Chamber of Commerce DeSoto Business Expo, Kelly Parrish of Hernando received a microdermabrasion from Angelina Harrell of DeSoto Laser Aesthetics. Sixty-six businesses participated in the expo.

At last year's DeSoto Business Expo, the theme "It's a Jungle Out There" reflected a grimmer economy.

Thursday, at this year's 14th annual event, the theme "Soaring to New Heights" expressed an optimism that hasn't been seen for a while.

Ginger Adams, executive director of the Southaven Chamber of Commerce, said this could be seen in the increased number of businesses at this year's Expo.

"We have 66 businesses, and that's a 20 percent increase over last year," she said. "Businesses are looking forward to many positives as the economy picks up."

For Chris Thomas, owner of In & Out Clean-Outs, a Southaven janitorial company, her business was born when the housing industry went bust.

Thomas, 30, said she started her one-year-old business by cleaning up foreclosed homes. Her business has since evolved into a commercial janitorial company and a residential carpet cleaning service.

"I came to the Expo because I want to expand and grow my business, and what a great place to do that," she said.

For the spectators, it was more about the free promotional items, from pens and candy to chip-clips and mouse-pads.

"We came up here from Batesville, because we love these type of shows," said Terry Griffin. "We do look at the businesses cause you never know when you might need one of them."

Adams said the event presented by Southaven Chamber is also a networking tool for the businesses.

"We encourage them to leave those booths and talk to each other," she said. "It builds lasting relationships in the business world."